The Flaming Lips announce new album The Teardrop Throbs on Third Man

The Flaming Lips have announced their 17th studio album, titled The Teardrop Throbs, set for release on January 22 on Third Man Records. Hit Channel and Pitchfork both report that the 13-track record marks the band's debut on Jack White's indie label. Pitchfork notes that the release ends a 37-year run on Warner Records, while Hit Channel describes it as their nearly four-decade tenure. [1][2][3]

The band released the lead single, "God Will Control the Werewolves," alongside the announcement. According to Hit Channel, the track is a piano-driven psych-pop ballad produced by Dave Fridmann, Taylor Johnson, Scott Booker, and Wayne Coyne. Pitchfork reports that frontman Wayne Coyne accompanied the news with a 2,300-word statement, and that the new material includes a sequel to the 2002 track "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell." [1][2][3]

Outlets differ on the departure of multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd, who is no longer in the group. Hit Channel, Pitchfork, and Stereogum all confirm that this is the band's first album without Drozd, though Pitchfork notes the departure is their first in 35 years without him, while Hit Channel cites it as their first full-length since 2020's American Head. [1][2][3][7]

Consequence reports that the band will support the release with a series of underplay concerts in Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and London. JamBase adds that the group has scheduled intimate live dates for 2027. [4][6]